General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
6041
What was the former name of Eswatini?
Answer:
Swaziland
Eswatini was called Swaziland until 2018, when it adopted its native name to reflect cultural identity. Unlike Lesotho, Botswana, or Zambia, Swaziland was Eswatini’s former name.
6042
Which country was previously called Ellice Islands?
Answer:
Tuvalu
Tuvalu was known as the Ellice Islands under British colonial rule until independence in 1978. Unlike Kiribati, Nauru, or the Marshall Islands, Ellice Islands was Tuvalu’s colonial name.
6043
What was the old name of Kolkata, India?
Answer:
Calcutta
Kolkata was known as Calcutta during British colonial rule until 2001, reflecting its Bengali pronunciation. Unlike Bombay, Madras, or Delhi, Calcutta was Kolkata’s colonial name.
6044
Which country was formerly known as Basutoland?
Answer:
Lesotho
Lesotho was called Basutoland under British colonial rule until independence in 1966. Unlike Swaziland, Botswana, or Namibia, Basutoland was Lesotho’s colonial name.
6045
Which city was historically known as Edo?
Answer:
Tokyo
Tokyo was called Edo until 1868, when it became the imperial capital during the Meiji Restoration. Unlike Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagoya, Edo was Tokyo’s historical name.
6046
What was the former name of Chennai, India?
Answer:
Madras
Chennai was called Madras during British colonial rule until 1996, reflecting its Tamil name. Unlike Calcutta, Bangalore, or Hyderabad, Madras was Chennai’s colonial name.
6047
Which country was previously called New Hebrides?
Answer:
Vanuatu
Vanuatu was known as New Hebrides under British and French colonial rule until independence in 1980. Unlike Fiji, Tonga, or Samoa, New Hebrides was Vanuatu’s colonial name.
6048
What was the old name of St. Petersburg, Russia?
Answer:
Leningrad
St. Petersburg was named Leningrad from 1924 to 1991, honoring Vladimir Lenin. Unlike Moscow, Kiev, or Yaroslavl, Leningrad was the Soviet-era name for St. Petersburg.
6049
Which country was formerly known as Dahomey?
Answer:
Benin
Benin was called Dahomey during French colonial rule and early independence until 1975, named after a historical kingdom. Unlike Togo, Ghana, or Nigeria, Dahomey was Benin’s former name.
6050
Which Asian capital was known as Batavia until 1949?
Answer:
Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, was called Batavia during Dutch colonial rule until Indonesia’s independence in 1949. Unlike Kuala Lumpur, Manila, or Bangkok, Batavia was Jakarta’s colonial name.